Which side of Maui is best to stay on?

Which side of Maui is best to stay on? Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.

Which side of Maui is the rainy side?

Weather On Maui There is a wet and a dry side to the Island. The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain?nearly triple the amount.

Why is Lahaina so dry?

The very steep mountains on each of the main Hawaiian islands block the prevailing northeast trade winds. This results in abundant rain on the slopes facing the windward direction and dry “rain shadows” in the leeward areas. Maui's west coast tourist communities, including Lahaina, are in one of those rain shadows.

Which part of Maui is best to stay?

Staying in West and South Maui offers the convenience of being near the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park. By the Hana Highway ('Road to Hana'), we recommend spending at least one night in Hana town, or a B&B, near the start of the drive.

What is the most affordable part of Maui?

Wailuku: The Cheapest Place to Live on Maui Located in central Maui, Wailuku offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas on the island. In fact, according to the website Numbeo, the cost of living in Wailuku is 14% lower than in Lahaina, a popular tourist destination on the west side of the island.

Which side of Maui has the best sunsets?

Great Maui beaches to watch the sunset But for some of the most spectacular views, the west and south shores of the island are where it's at. On the west side, Ka?anapali Beach is one of the island's jewels, with 3 miles of white sand and aquamarine water. As the sun sets, the colorful sky isn't the only spectacle.

Which side of Maui has the calmest water?

Both South Maui and West Maui are located on the leeward side of the island, where you'll experience more sun, typically calmer water, and you'll have a number of beautiful beaches to visit.

Is Lahaina in Maui worth visiting?

With its beautiful beaches, historical attractions and unique culture, Lahaina is one of the best places to explore on the island of Maui.

Which side of Maui is expensive?

What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.

Which is better Maui or Oahu?

But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

Is Maui walkable?

Featured Walkable Areas of Maui As an added bonus, the North Shore bike path runs to the West of town, through Spreckelsville and into Kahului. Paia is the one area of the island where you really could go for longer stretches without driving. Walkable Wailuku : Downtown Wailuku is the seat of Maui County Government.

Which side of Maui is less touristy?

For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.

Is the north or south side of Maui better?

The south and west side of the island are known as sunny and dry areas while the north and east coast are much more wet and lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss.

What is the most expensive part of Maui?

There are 18 neighborhoods in Maui. Wailea has a median listing home price of $3.3M, making it the most expensive neighborhood. Paukukalo is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median listing home price of $650K.

How many days in Maui is ideal?

Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

Is 7 days in Maui too long?

A week won't be too long at all. That gives you just enough time to get the aloha in your blood. On our last trip we stayed 10 days and had plenty to do. Theres lots of things to keep you busy...so you can pick a few days to be really active, and a few days to relax.

What is the best month to go to Maui?

The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

Is the south or west side of Maui better?

Both areas have their own unique charm and attractions. West Maui is known for its historical landmarks, cultural entertainment and surf, while South Maui offers a more transient casual vibe, both with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Each area also has its own distinct weather patterns and natural scenery.

Where is the prettiest water in Maui?

There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.